New Law Cracks Down on Over-the-Counter Teen Drug Abuse

When they are misused by teenagers, over-the-counter drugs can be just as dangerous as more notorious narcotics.

To combat the growing problem of teens using Dextromethorphan (DXM) to get high, Senator Lanza voted to enact a new law will prohibit pharmacies and stores from selling DXM to any person under the age of 18 unless they have a prescription.

DXM is a cough suppressing ingredient found in over-the-counter cough and cold medications such as Robitussin and Nyquil. The abuse of DXM has been on the rise, due largely to how accessible these medications are in thousands of pharmacies, supermarkets and other stores in New York and across the nation.

Increased use of DXM can lead to serious short and long term health risks including agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, and even death.

With this in mind, Senator Lanza is confident that this new measure -- which Governor Cuomo has just signed into law -- will help save lives and prevent future tragedies from occurring.